Caribbean Arts and Popular Culture in the Region

Introduction

• Caribbean Art Definition: Creative expressions from artists of Caribbean heritage, characterized by creolization/hybridization.
• Influences: Migration, globalization, technology, politics, religion.
• Prominent Figures: Cultural theorists and artists such as Rex Nettleford, Louise Bennett, Beryl McBurnie, Paule Marshall, and Aubrey Cummings.

Characteristics of Caribbean Art

• Creolised/Hybrid Nature: Reflects regional diversity.
• Nation Language: Use of indigenous cultural material symbolizing shared heritage.
• Post-colonial Ideologies: Informed by post-modern thought.

Caribbean Art Forms

• Literature: West Indian novels, short stories, critical theory.
• Music: Reggae, soca, dance hall, merengue, zouk, salsa, rumba.
• Dance and Visual Arts
• Festival Arts: Masquerade as street theatre.

Influences on Caribbean Art and Culture

• Migration: African, Asian, Diasporic influences.
• Globalization and Technology
• Social and Political Conditions: Steel pan, oil industry, land ship, social injustice.
• Religious Movements: Rastafarianism, spiritual Baptist.

Popular Culture vs Culture

• Elements of Popular Culture: Immediate, contemporary, rapidly changing.
• Cultural Power Dynamics: Struggle between popular subcultures and mainstream acceptance.

Global Impact and Contributions

• Cultural Tourism: Adds value through festivals like carnivals and music festivals.
• National Identity: Tool for constructing and preserving identities.
• Cultural Theorists and Artists: Contributions by notable figures such as Rex Nettleford, Louise Bennett, and Beryl McBurnie.

Key Figures in Caribbean Arts

• Rex Nettleford: Cultural ambassador, studied Rastafarian movement, founder of the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica.
• Louise Bennett: Poet, preserved Jamaican Patois, contributed to national language recognition.
• Beryl McBurnie: 'Mother of Caribbean Dance', pivotal in bringing Afro-Caribbean dance to global attention.
• Paule Marshall: Author known for works depicting Caribbean and diasporic experiences.
• Aubrey Cummings: Guyanese musician, influential in Caribbean music.

Conclusion

• Caribbean Art's Role: Essential to the ideological, social, and national development of the region.
• Resistance and Expression: Acts as a site of resistance to European domination, patriarchy, and racism.
• Cultural Identity Building: Evidence of African cultural practices transformed through creolization and hybridization.